Cirrus Aircraft | Instructor

Aviation Flight Instructor

Overview of Cirrus Aircraft

Cirrus Aircraft is recognized as the global leader in personal aviation, driven by a mission to deliver an aviation experience that represents the pinnacle of innovation, quality, and safety for its global customer base. The company is renowned as the maker of the best-selling SR Series piston aircraft and the groundbreaking Vision Jet™, the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet and recipient of the prestigious 2017 Robert J. Collier Trophy.

Since its founding in 1984, Cirrus has redefined performance, comfort, and safety in aviation through innovations such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® (CAPS®). This system, the first FAA-certified whole-airframe parachute safety system included as standard equipment on an aircraft, has played a pivotal role in safety, contributing to over 16 million worldwide flight hours and ensuring over 250 individuals have returned home safely to their families.

Cirrus is committed to investing in the future of its employees and the advancement of general aviation. The company offers a competitive benefits package, professional development, and robust career progression opportunities. Employees benefit from the unique Cirrus Flying Club, which facilitates obtaining a private pilot's license or renting a Cirrus aircraft at a significantly reduced rate. Furthermore, the organization actively engages employees through family events, activity clubs, and community engagement opportunities.

Position Summary: Flight Instructor

The Flight Instructor is responsible for delivering industry-leading, learner-centric flight training directly to Cirrus customers. This premier training is conducted in the iconic Cirrus SR model aircraft at various Cirrus Services Centers across the United States. The instructor utilizes a structured syllabus featuring proprietary course materials designed to streamline and support the learning process for a discerning clientele.

The role requires the Flight Instructor to act as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Cirrus aircraft while conducting 14 CFR Part 91 corporate flight operations, including demonstration flights, aircraft repositioning, and post-maintenance functional check flights. Additional duties include performing flight reviews, proficiency checks, and other similar pilot and flight instruction responsibilities. The incumbent reports directly to the Flight Operations Supervisor.

Ancillary responsibilities include meticulous record-keeping, effective safety management, complex problem solving, and detailed flight planning and preparation. The instructor is expected to achieve mastery of all subject matter material, identify pilot progression opportunities, and recommend process improvements to enhance operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate mastery in the following areas:

• Adhering strictly to all industry and Cirrus established safety procedures and policies during the execution of all professional duties.
• Providing exceptional and professional customer service to maintain the premium Cirrus brand experience.
• Making accurate and timely decisions concerning the safety of flight operations.
• Conducting training events precisely in accordance with defined program guidance and requirements.
• Delivering flight and ground instruction consistent with standards outlined in Cirrus policy and procedure documentation.
• Meticulously recording all training event activities and results within required pilot training records.
• Assessing pilot performance across the psychomotor, cognitive, and affective domains for each training event.
• Customizing training events to align with individual student needs and learning styles.
• Recommending students for applicable FAA written and practical tests.
• Serving as Pilot in Command (PIC) of Cirrus aircraft for corporate missions, ferry flights, internal training, and demonstration flights.
• Performing essential pre-flight and post-flight duties, including inspections, fueling, oil checks, de-ice fluid application, and updating chart subscriptions.
• Maintaining a deep and continuous level of aircraft product knowledge regarding the latest developments in the Cirrus Aircraft line.
• Serving as a model aviator, highly professional flight instructor, and exemplary Cirrus representative.
• Enhancing flight safety by providing standardized, high-quality instruction.

Required Qualifications and Experience

To successfully perform this function, the individual must satisfy the following minimum requirements:

• One year of professional pilot experience is required.
• A minimum of 350 hours of dual instruction given, or 250 hours of dual instruction given specifically in Cirrus aircraft.
• A current FAA Flight Instructor Certificate with Airplane Single Engine and Instrument Airplane ratings.
• A current FAA Pilot Certificate (Commercial, at minimum) with Airplane Single Engine Land and Instrument Airplane ratings.
• A current Second-class Airman Medical Certificate or higher.
• Preferred Experience: IFR in congested airspace, mountain flying, extensive IMC experience, international flight operations, and night experience are highly desirable.

Core Competencies

The individual should demonstrate the following competencies essential for success in this role:

• Effective Communication: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that clearly convey understanding tailored to diverse audiences.
• Complexity Management: Interprets complex, high-volume, and sometimes contradictory information to solve problems effectively.
• Collaboration: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
• Decision Quality: Makes timely and sound decisions that support organizational progress.
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach and demeanor in real-time to match the shifting demands of varying situations.
• Ensures Accountability: Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments and performance metrics.
• Talent Development: Actively develops personnel to meet both their career aspirations and the organizations goals.

Compensation and Benefits

Cirrus provides a comprehensive range of exciting benefits designed to support employee well-being, growth, and engagement:

• 401(k) Plan: Dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% after 90 days, with 100% immediate vesting.
• Employer-Paid Coverages: Group term life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, vision, and dental plans, with additional dependent coverage options.
• Wellness Programs: Free health tracking with incentives for meeting health goals.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): 120 hours accrued within the first year of service.
• Incentive Programs: Employee Referral Bonus for referring talented candidates.
• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement and robust professional growth opportunities.
• Exclusive Discounts: Access to partner and marketplace discounts.
• Community & Engagement: Company and employee activity clubs at various locations.

Work Location and Environment

This position is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the location chosen for the Cirrus Vision Center Campus—the central hub for all customer experience activities. Knoxville is celebrated as a hidden gem, offering a vibrant downtown, acclaimed cuisine, live music, and extensive outdoor activities, complemented by the proximity of the Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River. Knoxville has been recognized as a Top 10 Destination on the Rise by Trip Advisor.

General Information

This job description does not constitute a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice. Work exceeding 40 hours per week may be required based on operational demands.

Cirrus is dedicated to maintaining a drug-free work environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, national origin, color, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, veteran status, marital and family status, sexual orientation, receipt of public assistance, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.